The operator of a five-storey PG in South Delhi’s Satya Niketan, which collapsed on Sunday and killed seven people, has been arrested, police said.
The accused, Sudhanshu, was associated with the ‘Hostel Daze’ chain, which runs seven accommodation facilities in the area for both male and female students.
The collapsed PG had eight rooms with 16 beds across four floors. Police believe only seven to eight students were inside the building when it collapsed, as several residents had left for a three-day break during Raksha Bandhan.
Operator’s role under scanner
Police said Sudhanshu had managed the property since August 2025, when it was opened for commercial use. His responsibilities included setting up the 16-bed facility, arranging amenities, handling maintenance and supervising repair and construction work at the roughly 50-year-old building.
Investigators said Sudhanshu was also the main point of contact for prospective tenants. He allegedly handled rent agreements, including a clause stating that the PG owners would not be responsible for any casualty or death involving students living on the premises.
A rental agreement accessed by The Indian Express reportedly contains provisions that seek to absolve the owners of responsibility for risks to residents’ lives. It also allows the management to ask students to vacate their rooms at its discretion.
Police are questioning Sudhanshu to establish his whereabouts when the building collapsed and examine how the property was being operated.
- Five arrested so far
- Sudhanshu is the fifth person arrested in the case.
The property owner, Hari Ram, his son Mahesh, wife Urmila and labour contractor Saroj were arrested earlier.
Investigators suspect the owners knew that the old structure might not have been capable of supporting four additional floors but allegedly allowed the construction and subsequently leased the building to a PG operator.
Police are also examining whether Sudhanshu and the PG management carried out adequate safety checks before allowing students to occupy the property.
Adjoining building declared dangerous
Meanwhile, demolition of the building next to the collapsed structure began on Wednesday after authorities declared it dangerous.
The adjoining building housed a girls’ hostel, prompting additional scrutiny of the safety of older structures and construction practices in the area.
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